The death toll due to suspected contaminated drinking water in the Pallavaram area of Tambaram Corporation has risen to three. Residents of Kamaraj Nagar in Pallavaram Cantonment Hilltop have been consuming drinking water reportedly mixed with sewage, leading to severe health complications.
Several residents complained of vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness after consuming the water. Over 20 people were admitted to the Chromepet Government Hospital for treatment. Among them, a critically ill patient named Thrivedi succumbed to the illness.
In response to the alarming situation, Health Minister T.M. Anbarasan inspected the affected area. After listening to public grievances, he instructed officials to set up an immediate medical camp in the locality. Speaking to reporters, he stated, “Twenty-three people have been admitted to the hospital. It is unclear if the issue is caused by contaminated water or food poisoning. If it were due to water contamination, the entire area would have been affected. The exact cause will be identified within an hour.”
However, two more victims, Mohanarangan and Varalakshmi, who were receiving treatment, have since passed away, increasing the death toll to three.
The incident has sparked political criticism, with AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) strongly condemning the DMK government.